The Canadian team boss has named a physical and experienced side, led by fit again Al Charron jut four months after knee reconstruction, for the clash with Wales in Melbourne.
It is almost exactly ten years since Charron scored the crucial try in their only victory over Wales.
But now Clarke he wants his old warhorses to take the best of the rest as they look to repeat that feet.
“Our defence has always been a strong point in our game for many years as people know Canada’s tenacity and perseverance in defence is based on their rugged style of game.
“But in this tournament we want to add more to our game. I want our game to move to a hybrid that has the ruthlessness of New Zealand, the adventure and flair of Australia, the tenacity of South Africa and the arrogance of England.”
Meanwhile the video of that 26-24 victory at the Arms Park a decade ago has been used as part of this squad’s preparation for their opening game of the World Cup.
Charron said: “We have been watching that game a few times and it certainly wasn’t pretty. But it was a game that showed what you can achieve if you give everything right up until the end.
“I don’t think it was a great Welsh side at the time but at the time is was a significant moment for us. However that was 1993 and I think this team today will have to do a lot better job than that day. But that video proves that it can be done.
“However this is probably as good a time to play Wales as any. They didn’t have a stunning summer and though they were reasonable against Scotland they had a pretty rough time before that. So we are in a very interesting pool.”
Canada have been badly hit by withdrawals and injuries to four key though their pack still includes Gwent Dragon Rod Snow, ex-Bridgend prop John Thiel and Stade Francais lock Mike James.
Behind the pack Saracens scrum-half Morgan Williams is named and veteran centre Bob Ross, who began his Test career against Ireland in 1989, wins his 56th cap. Meanwhile former Leicester wings David Lougheed and Winston Stanley also start.
Canada: James Pritchard; David Lougheed, John Cannon, Marco Di Girolamo, Winston Stanley; Bob Ross, Morgan Williams; Rod Snow, Mark Lawson, John Thiel, Colin Yukes, Mike James, Al Charron (capt), Josh Jackson, Adam van Staveren.
Replacements: Aaron Abrams, Kevin Tzachuk, Garth Cooke, Jamie Cudmore, Ryan Banks, Ed Fairhurst, Ryan Smith.
